While undaunted by current blogging challenges (recognizing that there seem things you’re supposed to say, not supposed to say, and certain things you must say a certain way… on top of all, if you say nothing, then there’s also something wrong with you or you’re insensitive or worse or something lesser), allow us to say something today by pondering what actually fits. Let’s say something that’s helpful in actually encouraging respectful dialogue. What tidbits of wisdom fit the current cultural moment?
For example…
As said previously in regard to how we as a nation enact coronavirus precautions, prudence in the dense populace of New York City looks different than in Montana’s beloved “Big Sky Country.” Hence, my concluded tidbit of wisdom:
“One size doesn’t fit all.”
What else fits now?
“All men are created equal.”
Expanding upon the Declaration… men, women, children… the abled, disabled, infant, elderly, and more. That’s why black lives matter.
“People should not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
I can’t amen enough the wisdom extracted from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1963 dream. The content of one’s character means most. In all things.
“Certain conditions continue to exist in our society, which must be condemned as vigorously as we condemn riots. But in the final analysis, a riot is the language of the unheard.”
This quote from Dr. King — whose daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King, said has been much misused during this time — explains why riots happen; it does not support nor advocate rioting, as rioting hurts the innocent.
As I toy a little more, my pondering centers on nuggets of wisdom centered on potentially polar opposites: judgment and grace. Let’s continue to examine what fits… first focusing on judgment…
“Everyone has untold stories of pain and sadness that make them love and live a little differently than you do. Stop judging, instead try to understand.” — Anonymous
“We judge others by their actions and ourselves by our intentions.” — Jayce O’Neal
“Judging a person does not define who they are. It defines who you are.” — Wayne Dyer
“If you judge people you have no time to love them.” — Mother Teresa
“Judging others makes us blind, whereas love is illuminating. By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Which leads us to grace…
“Grace, respect, reserve, and empathetic listening are qualities sorely missing from the public discourse now.” — Meryl Streep
“And you know, when you’ve experienced grace and you feel like you’ve been forgiven, you’re a lot more forgiving of other people. You’re a lot more gracious to others.” — Rick Warren
“Grace teaches us that God loves because of who God is, not because of who we are.”― Philip Yancey
“Our worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace.” — Jerry Bridges
“Believe the best about people. Pray for their shortcomings. You are not the standard. We all need grace.” — LeCrae
Believe the best… not because of who we are…
Yes, I’m thinking that fits…
Respectfully…
AR